Nepal is grappling with the aftermath of catastrophic floods and landslides triggered by torrential rainfall over the weekend. The disaster has claimed nearly two hundred lives and left countless others missing, according to reports from PTI on Monday. The heavy downpour unleashed havoc across the Himalayan nation, leading to widespread landslides and flooding, as confirmed by Home Ministry Spokesperson Rishiram Tiwari.
Search and rescue operations are in full swing, with authorities working tirelessly to locate those missing due to flash floods and landslides. The situation has prompted the closure of schools and other educational institutions on Monday due to persistent heavy rainfall.
The scale of devastation has prompted a massive response. The Disaster Risk Management Authority has committed to continuing rescue operations for those stranded on highways and displaced by the floods and landslides. An all-party meeting convened by Officiating Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh at the Prime Minister’s Office in Singha Durbar on Sunday emphasized the need to intensify rescue, relief, and reconstruction efforts in the hardest-hit areas.
Amidst the tragedy, there are glimmers of hope. Flood and landslide victims are receiving free medical treatment at rescue camps, along with food and other essential supplies, as reported by Home Ministry Spokesperson Rishi Ram Tiwari. Security forces have successfully rescued over 4,500 individuals impacted by the disaster, with the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force collaborating on these critical operations.
While rescue efforts are ongoing, the devastating impact of the floods is felt across the nation. Hundreds of people in Kathmandu, the capital, are facing shortages of food, safe drinking water, and sanitation. The Education Ministry has ordered the closure of schools and colleges for the next three days due to the widespread disruption.
The disaster has also disrupted the supply chain for vegetables and other food items, leading to a surge in prices. Landslides have blocked major highways, hindering the transportation of produce from India and other parts of Nepal.
Transportation infrastructure has been severely impacted, with numerous roads and crucial highways damaged. This has left thousands of travelers stranded, particularly those attempting to reach Kathmandu, as all routes to the capital remain blocked.
The floods have also dealt a blow to Nepal’s hydropower sector, with twenty hydropower plants suffering damage. This has resulted in significant power outages in Kathmandu and other major cities. The combined capacity of the affected hydropower plants is 1100 MW, highlighting the scale of the disruption to the nation’s energy supply.
The ongoing crisis underscores the vulnerability of Nepal to natural disasters, and the importance of robust disaster preparedness and response systems. The nation’s resilience and the dedication of rescue workers are providing hope amidst the tragedy.
